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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What rumor does Barbara think that Sue is spreading at the beginning of Chapter 10?

2. What insult does Sheba throw at Barbara at the end of Chapter 16?

3. What does Barbara ask Mrs. Taylor after Mrs. Taylor tells her she is leaving?

4. What does Sheba do when she returns home from picking up Polly at Brighton?

5. Why does Bangs admit to wanting to see Barbara?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Barbara's physical condition in the beginning of Chapter 14. Why is her health suffering in this way?

2. What lesson does Sheba relate to Barbara that she learned from her mother about parenting?

3. Why, do you think, is Barbara's manuscript such a shock for Sheba?

4. Describe the dynamic of Barbara and Jennifer's past friendship.

5. Why are Sheba's remarks about Richard's feelings towards Barbara so hurtful?

6. Describe Marjorie and Dave's attitudes towards Sheba.

7. Describe the incident at the restaurant on the way home from picking Polly up from Brighton.

8. In what way does Barbara believe her relationship to Sheba is similar to a marriage?

9. Why does Barbara not tell Sheba that Sue is spreading rumors about the two of them?

10. Describe the mood when Sheba goes to Steven's house.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Despite her role as the leading character in "Notes on a Scandal," is Sheba the protagonist or the antagonist? Although the story centers around her, she does something incredibly inappropriate and considered wrong by everyone else in the novel. Support your argument with examples from the text.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the role of jealousy in "Notes on a Scandal." Where is jealousy especially prevalent in the novel, and how does it serve as an overall theme throughout the book?

Essay Topic 3

Socioeconomic class and status are brought up several times throughout "Notes on a Scandal." Barbara, the narrator, appears to be very interested in social class and makes many assumptions about people and their actions based on her knowledge of their social class. Discuss the role of socioeconomic status in "Notes on a Scandal," considering both the actual impact class status has versus the assumed impact.

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